Understanding Game Ratings: A Parent's Guide for India

As gaming becomes increasingly popular among children and teenagers in India, parents need to understand game ratings to ensure their children are playing age-appropriate games. In India, as in many other countries, games are rated to help parents make informed decisions about what is suitable for their children. Let's take a closer look at the various rating systems and how they can help you choose the right games for your family.

What are Game Ratings?

Game ratings are assigned based on the content of the game, including violence, language, sexual content, and other factors. These ratings help parents make informed decisions about which games are suitable for their children. It's important to note that game ratings are not indicators of the game's difficulty level but rather its content.

PEGI Ratings

The Pan-European Game Information (PEGI) rating system is widely used in India and provides game age ratings and content descriptors. The PEGI age ratings are as follows:

• PEGI 3: Suitable for all ages

• PEGI 7: Suitable for young children

• PEGI 12: Suitable for children 12 and over

• PEGI 16: Suitable for children 16 and over

• PEGI 18: Only suitable for adults

Each PEGI rating also includes content descriptors such as violence, bad language, fear, and more, to provide additional information about the game's content.

Google Play Ratings

Google Play uses content ratings to inform users of potentially objectionable content within an app or game. These ratings are the responsibility of the app developers and the International Age Rating Coalition (IARC). The age-based ratings and descriptions on Google Play are as follows:

• 3+: Suitable for all age groups. Some violence in a comical or fantasy context is acceptable. Bad language is not permitted.

• 7+: May contain some scenes or sounds that are frightening for children. Mild violence (implied or non-realistic) is permitted.

• 12+: Violence involving fantasy characters and/or non-graphic violence involving human-looking characters or animals is permitted. Non-graphic nudity, mild language, and simulated gambling are also permitted, but sexual expletives are not.

• 16+: Realistic violence, sexual activity, strong language, use of tobacco and drugs, and the depiction of criminal activities are permitted.

• 18+: Graphic violence, including depictions lacking motive and/or directed towards defenseless characters, and sexual violence are permitted. May also include graphic sexual content, discriminatory acts, and/or the glamorization of illegal drug use.

ESRB Ratings

The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) is used in North and Central America and provides similar age ratings and content descriptors as PEGI. The ESRB ratings are as follows:

• E: Everyone

• E 10+: Everyone aged 10 and over

• T: Teen

• M: Mature (17+)

• A: Adult (18+ only)

• RP: Rating Pending

How to Choose Games for Children

When choosing games for your child, it's important to consider their age, maturity level, and the game's rating. Review age ratings and content descriptors, read up on why they have those ratings, and consider your child's maturity and development.

Parental Controls

Most gaming platforms offer parental controls that allow parents to restrict access to games based on their age rating. It's essential to set up these controls to ensure your child only plays games suitable for their age.